New App Gives Drivers Access To Car Using Smart Phones

Have you ever gotten on a plane bound for vacation or a long business trip, only to realize you forgot to lock your car at the airport? Or maybe you just can’t recall whether or not you locked it. Either way, a new smart-phone app from General Motors Corp. could ease your anxiety.

The auto maker says owners of most of its 2011 Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac vehicles will soon be able to control certain vehicle functions from their smart phones. The company is developing its OnStar global positioning and communication technology to allow owners to activate all of the functions typically operated through the key fob, like locking and unlocking, turning on the lights and even remote starting.

The main advantage for drivers is that they won’t have to be close to the vehicle to perform these functions. Owners will be able to lock their cars from anywhere — as long as there’s a signal — or check diagnostic information like the fuel level, range, remaining oil life, and tire pressure. Of course, for people desperate to get away from the worries of home, conversing with the car may not seem so appealing.

The diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, so if your tire goes flat while you’re away the car can’t tell you. But wait – yes it can, because you can start the vehicle remotely to engage the automatic system check.

The coming GM system is part of a broad trend toward automotive connectivity that uses smart phones to operate numerous systems and accessories in the car, help diagnose potential problems, arrange service visits and even make car payments with the touch of a button.